New college can now go ahead
Building work on a new college for Woodlands Meed can now start after contracts were exchanged this week.
West Sussex County Council and governors at the Burgess Hill special school have signed a development agreement which will allow the project to progress.
ISG has been appointed as the main contractor so the building work can start within weeks.
During half-term, the county council delivered an ultimatum to the school, giving it until last Thursday to complete the paperwork or plans would be withdrawn.
However this was later extended and late last week it appeared progress was being made to resolve a number of technical issues relating to the new college build.
All the main issues now appear to have been resolved with the signing of the development agreement.
Nigel Jupp, WSCC’s cabinet member for learning and skills, said: “Today’s news is hugely significant for the pupils, their families and the whole Woodlands Meed community.
“After many months of discussions with the college we have now resolved the few remaining matters and reached agreement on an exciting plan which will provide pupils with a brand new college and much improved facilities.
“Like everyone I am extremely pleased to have reached this point and I greatly look forward to the work now starting and the new facilities taking shape.”
The work is scheduled to begin by early December although an earlier start date is being explored and the development will begin as soon as is practically possible. Updates on timescales will be shared at www.westsussex.gov. uk/campaigns/woodlandsmeed-college-rebuild
This will allow the project to remain on target to complete the main building by spring 2023 and external works by autumn 2023.